GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) – Imagine walking across the state of Wisconsin in the blistering summer heat.
Most people wouldn’t dream of it, but three local men say it was a no-brainer.
Matt Gernestke, and his two friends, are giving back by doing a rucksack march to raise money and awareness for wounded veterans.
“They’re brothers and sisters, so taking care of them is a big deal. We want to help them along on the journey, I’d like somebody else to help me along if it was me.”
Gernetzke and Jeff Van Grinsven are both in ROTC at St. Norbert, and plan to become active duty in the future. But their friend Dan Burke was the one who came up with the idea for the march.
“I just want to put as much support as I can onto our armed forces and our wounded veterans throughout my life, I still want to keep doing stuff like this.”
The rucksacks weigh nearly 40 pounds, and by the time the journey is over, the boys will have walked 140 miles with them on.
Gernetske says “I think it’s well worth all the little pains that we’re going through.”
Van Grinsven says “Every step there’s something that kind of hurts. But as soon as you start to feel down, someone’s honking, or someone stops and offers water, and it just kind of motivates you to keep going.”
The boys left Camp Randall on Sunday, and plan to complete their trek at Lambeau Field by Friday.
They hope this grueling mission can help raise at least $15,000 for the cause.
All proceeds collected will go to the 4th H.O.O.A.H. Wisconsin, a local organization that supports veterans.
Contact Dan Burke for donation information
dan.burke@snc.edu
